Havanese

Havanese dog

Cheerful Cuban companion known for its silky coat and people-loving nature.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Toy 7 - 13 lbs 8 - 11 inches 14 - 16 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: Cuba



Own a Havanese? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Havanese? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.

The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba and developed from small companion dogs brought to the island from Europe. Its ancestors belonged to the bichon family of small Mediterranean dogs that travelled with merchants and settlers to the Americas. In Cuba, these dogs gradually developed into a distinctive companion breed suited to the island's climate and social life. The Havanese became particularly fashionable among wealthy Cuban families during the 18th and 19th centuries, valued primarily as a household companion rather than a working dog. Political upheaval following the Cuban Revolution dramatically changed the breed's future. Families leaving Cuba in the 1950s and 1960s were able to take only a small number of dogs with them, and the Havanese became extremely rare outside the island. A handful of these dogs in the United States became crucial to rebuilding the breed's population. American breeders worked from this limited foundation while additional dogs eventually broadened breeding programs. The Havanese later recovered from near obscurity and received American Kennel Club recognition in 1996. Its sociable nature still reflects centuries in which its main purpose was simply to live closely with people.

Frequently Asked Questions About Havanese

The Havanese is generally considered hypoallergenic, but no dog is completely allergen-free. Individual reactions can vary.

The Havanese tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The Havanese generally needs a moderate amount of routine grooming.

The Havanese generally has a moderate energy level.

The Havanese generally has lower exercise needs, though daily activity remains important.

The Havanese is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Havanese generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Havanese generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Havanese is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Havanese generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.